Recorder of Deeds in Montgomery County Jeanne Sorg (Image courtesy of Montgomery County)
Learn about the role of Jeanne Sorg and her office's duties and services.
We hope you are both enjoying and learning something from our exploration of Managing Montco. Each day, we aim to take a deeper dive into a role of a department within the county. We want to help you understand who that person is, what they do for the county, and what they can do to help you.
We are breaking down the roles of the nine departments known as “Row Officers.” Today we take a look at the county’s oldest position, which was created in 1784 just as the county was created itself. Its role was lined out in the state’s Constitution of 1776!
It would not be until 1838 until the role became an elected position, instead of an appointment. This role, like many of our other row officers, serves a position for four years.
What is a recorder of deeds?
Since its very first appointment of Frederick Augusts Muhlenberg, the role of Recorder of Deeds for Montgomery County has had similar duties. The office of the recorder of deeds is responsible for maintaining all land records and other documents important to the county, such as:
and other miscellaneous documents.
In total, the office in Montgomery County processes over 100,000 documents in a year! And you thought your desk was cluttered. Thankfully, with advances in technology, not to mention the assistance of a staff of records, indexers, and scanners, the role is a bit more streamlined than the days of old.
Who is the Montgomery County Recorders of Deeds?
The current recorder of deeds for Montgomery County is Jeanne Sorg. If the name sounds familiar, she is also the Mayor of Ambler Borough.
“The Recorder of Deeds is responsible for maintaining the integrity of all land records and documents recorded at the office, and collecting and distributing county and state fees and real estate transfer taxes for the state, townships, boroughs, and school districts of Montgomery County,” said Sorg on her county webpage. “In addition, the Recorder of Deeds is also responsible for administering oaths and recording the commissions of notaries public.”
Sorg considers herself the “custodian” of many records and indexes. Many of these are related to land transactions, such as (as the name implies) deeds.
Can I change the name on a deed?
Once a deed is recorded, it cannot be changed. In order for a change to occur, including adding or removing another party, a new deed will have to be created and recorded.
“We recommend that you consult a real estate attorney or title company to prepare a new deed,” said Sorg’s site.
And what about the instances of marriage or divorce? Should a new deed be created? It depends both on the situation and the wishes of the parties involved.”
“If a married couple held the property jointly as tenants by entireties and one spouse dies, it is not necessary to remove that spouse’s name from the deed,” said Sorg. “If/when the survivor sells or mortgages the property, he/she simply explains in the new deed or mortgage that the other spouse is deceased.”
And if you want to add a new spouse?
“If someone marries, it is not required to change the name on the deed to the married name, but because of a particular legal situation it may be desirable,” she said. “Therefore, we again recommend consulting an attorney or title company for specific advice.”
At the end of the day, while the Recorder of Deeds does not provide any real estate or legal advice. That is NOT a part of their duties. The role can simply recommend other services when it comes to specific advice on those fronts.
Can I look at county deeds online?
Yes, there is a public access server on the Recorder of Deeds’ webpage. From there, members of the public must create an account from which to use the database. This account simply asks for your name, email, and a password. It is designed to also have users agree to terms of service, noting how you can and cannot utilize the information gathered.
How much does it cost to record a deed?
This response is not as easy as one might think. Firstly, two different checks are required when filing your deed to be recorded. One must be for the recording fee, while the other must be for the realty transfer tax. They cannot be combined into one payment check.
Additionally, those opting to use a credit card will have an added 2.65% convenience fee added to the transaction. The lengthy list of the recorder of deeds fee schedule can be found online here.
Factors such as the value of property and the taxable rate of its authority (i.e. the taxing rate of the municipality, county, state the property is in). It is another time, along the recording of deeds process, you may want to consult a professional to assist you in calculations.
How can I reach the Recorder of Deeds office?
Sorg’s office is located in One Montgomery Plaza, at Swede and Airy streets in Norristown, on the third floor of the building. You can reach the office by phone at 610-278-3289.
The fax for the Recorder of Deeds in Montgomery County is 610-278-3869. An online contact form is available here. The office is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4 pm., with public searching and recording hours the same.
